Nine Things You Must Know Before Eating Onions.

Introduction: In spring and summer, we can buy fresh onions. The outer skin of this type of onion is thinner, the flesh is thicker, it has more moisture, and the spiciness is milder. Onions available during colder months are usually stored onions. They have a sharper spiciness, thicker skin, and less moisture.

Store in a dark place. When buying onions, choose ones that feel heavy in your hand, with a dry, tight skin, no bruises, and no smell (because onions release an odor when bruised or cut). Store purchased onions in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated place. Never store onions in a plastic bag---this will cause the otherwise long-lasting onions to spoil quickly.

Fried Onions

Purple onions are spicy, while white onions are sweet. Common onions are divided into purple and white varieties. White onions have a tender flesh, high in moisture and sweetness, and turn a golden color with a rich sweet flavor after long cooking, making them more suitable for eating fresh, baking, or stewing. Purple onions have slightly reddish flesh and a strong spicy flavor, suitable for stir-frying or making salads. Purple onions are more nutritious.

Frying until slightly browned enhances the flavor. Onions bring a rich, primarily sweet flavor and a beautiful caramel color to dishes. To achieve this effect, slow heating is the key. The method is: pour a little oil into the pan, add the chopped onions, and heat over low flame to allow the onions to slowly and fully release their sugars. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cover the pot to maintain temperature and moisture.

Raw onions provide a cooling sensation. Raw onions have a pungent taste, but it is these pungent substances that have excellent health benefits, such as anti-cancer properties. If you want to get more health benefits from onions, eating them raw or in a salad is the best way. When eating rich and greasy foods like beef and mutton, pairing them with raw onions can cut through the richness and bring a refreshing minty feeling.

Onion and Squid Tentacles

Salad to eliminate "onion breath." The sulfur compounds in onions are beneficial health components, but they have an annoying side effect---they can cause "onion breath" that lingers in the mouth. Brushing your teeth may not be effective at this point, so try a salad. The enzymes in raw fruits and vegetables can neutralize sulfur compounds and remove bad breath.

When to use onion powder. Besides pepper powder and ginger powder, onion powder has also appeared on supermarket shelves. However, the use of this onion powder is very limited---it lacks the rich flavor and sweetness of fresh onions. But it can be used when you don't want to use fresh onions, such as for batters, dipping sauces, or baking cookies.

Onion and Wood Ear Salad

Onions also have these relatives. Scallions: Many chefs only use the white and light green parts of scallions. Their flavor is milder than onions and becomes more mellow after cooking. Chives: A small amount added to omelets or soups can bring out a light onion flavor and a fresh aroma. Garlic: Lower in moisture and higher in sugar than onions. They have similarities with onions in terms of flavor and health value.

Soaking onions in vinegar prevents age spots. Research has shown that eating more vegetables and fruits can effectively reduce the appearance of age spots, with onions having the best effect. Onions contain nutrients such as sulfur and a large amount of vitamins, which can eliminate waste in the body and slow down the oxidative aging of organs. It is best for the elderly to eat onions 2-3 times a week. Raw onions are most effective, and adding a little vinegar can enhance the effect. The method is: Take 1 fresh onion, shred it, soak it in cool water for 20 minutes, drain the water, place the shredded onion in a plate, pour in vinegar (aged vinegar or fruit vinegar are both fine) until it completely covers the onions, stir, and it's ready to eat.

Stir-fried Pork Intestines with Onions